Lifestyles

Broomfield Enterprise Gardening Jan. 27: Make sure to pick plants that work in Colorado

By Ann Montague

CSU Master Gardener

Posted:
01/27/2013 12:00:00 AM MST

A while back I talked with someone who had grown up with azaleas in their yard "back east" and were anxious to try them here. It saddened me to tell her that azaleas would be a disappointment here.

Thanks to our soil and growing conditions, there are numerous plants that are favorites elsewhere in the country, but will not do well here despite the fact that they are rated as zone 5 in hardiness. The good news is there is a broad, vibrant palette of plants that will grow here, many of which won't grow nearly as well elsewhere.

We often fall into the trap of choosing plants simply based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone map, which identifies average minimum winter temperature. But the map only goes so far in describing growing conditions. It does not take into account summer heat levels; humidity; soil moisture, pH and composition or the numerous other factors that affect plant survival and growth.

Broomfield is on the western edge of the Great Plains. Before Broomfielders created a manmade oasis of Kentucky bluegrass and green ash trees, this area was (and still is) a semi-arid prairie ecosystem. Last year, the Denver-metro area received about 13 inches of precipitation. Compare that to an average annual precipitation in Memphis of more than 53 inches or Kansas City's average of 39 inches.

Blueberries, holly and blue hydrangeas are all East Coast favorites. They love the organic-rich, acidic soil and the humidity of the region, but do not fare well here. Our soils are high in minerals and pH and low in organic matter. Our low humidity levels are pushed even lower by frequent gusty winds. The plants that thrive here are adapted to our soil conditions, temperatures and weather; they are tough. With water reserves well below average and water for irrigation most likely at a premium this year and in future years, plant choice is increasingly important.

Whether you are new to Colorado gardening or just new to gardening, getting to know your climate and your soil and choosing plants that prefer this environment are key to success. Perhaps instead of blueberries, explore some of the native berries that are well adapted to our climate — serviceberries (Amelanchier), currents (Ribes) or chokeberries (Aronia). For a broadleaf evergreen shrub, try grape holly (Berberis). There are so many exciting options explore. Our master gardeners and the Colorado State University Extension website can help you with plant selection and your gardening questions in what is sure to be a challenging gardening year.

Also check out gardening classes presented by Broomfield this spring for additional tips.

Colorado State University Extension in the City and County of Broomfield provides unbiased, research-based information about 4-H youth development, family and consumer issues, gardening, horticulture and natural resources. As part of a nationwide system, Extension brings the research and resources of the university to the community. The Broomfield County Extension office is at 1 DesCombes Drive, Broomfield, 80020. For information, call 720-887-2286.

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